Assam Food Security:-
Security of food, in simplest terminology, implies adequate intake of food by every individual without any difficulty or anxiety. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 recognised right to food as a core element of an adequate standard ofliving. Following this, and more specially from world food crisis of 1972-74, food security became an important “organizing principle” in development.
History :–
Food security is the foremost important issue of a state or a country. The developm
ent of a country or a state is highly dependent on it. Food unsecured Population cannot think for other issues of their life. In the state of Assam, just after independence the state had enough food for the population, which gradually decreased until 1981-83. But, after 1981-83, the per capita availability of food grains had increased gradually due to use of modern practices of cultivation viz., high yielding varieties, Fertilizers, etc. which led to increase in production. Nevertheless, this increase could not surpass the normative requirement of total food grains. Thus, although per capita availability of total Cereals was marginally higher than the normative requirement, the state remains food deficit state since 1961-63 to 2000-02. Almost similar trend of change in per capita availability of food grains was observed in all the districts of the state with a few exceptions. Per capita availability of pulses as well as oilseeds was found to be very low, which was far below the normative requirement and in most of the cases revealed a declining trend.
National Food Security Act:-
The Assam government has been implement National Food Security Act from December 24, 2015 and providing subsidised rice to 2.4 crore people in the state. 60 per cent population from the towns and 84 per cent of the people living in villages taking benefit under the Act.
The Schemes under NFSA:-
The National Food Security Act, 2013 has been implemented in the State of Assam since December 2015 and under NFSA’13 , 84.17% of Rural population and 60.35% of Urban population (as per Census 2011) of the state are covered to distribute rice at highly subsidized rate of Rs 3.00 per kg. The total population benefitted under NFSA’13 in the state is 2.52 crore. There are two categories of beneficiaries under NFSA’13 –
- AAY Beneficiaries provided 35 kg of rice per Family at Rs 3.00 per kg
- Priority Household Beneficiaries provided 5 kg of Rice per Member at Rs 3.00 per kg.
Antyodaya Anna Yojana scheme:-
The Antyodaya Anna Yojana scheme is in implementation since November, 2001 in the state as per GOI’s guidelines. The State has 7.04 lakhs of AAY families as per the direction of the Central Govt. and all these AAY families are selected under NFSA’13 and are provided with highly subsidized rice @35 kg per family per month at Rs. 3/- per kg . The Priority Household beneficiaries are comprised of all the eligible families from the erstwhile categories of BPL, APL, MMASY FICs under PDS/TPDS. The new applicants are also considered under Priority Household category. The Priority Household beneficiaries are provided with 5 kg of Rice /family member at Rs 3.00 per Kg . The Transportation Cost and Commission for the above is borne by the Central and State Govts.
S.K.Oil Allocation:
The Govt of India allocates 80352 KL of S K Oil to the Govt of Assam for the month of Jan, Feb & March 2016 (26784 KL for each month).The Govt of India allocates 76332 KL of S K Oil to the Govt of Assam for the month of April, May&June 2016.
Tide Over Allocation:
Apart from the allocation of Rice under NFSA from the month of Dec, 2015, the Govt of India has been allocationg 8272 MT of Wheat per month under Tide Over Allocation.
Additional Allotment for Tea Garden Labourers:
The Govt of India has allocated 7590 MT of Rice and 5000 MT of Wheat at Economic Cost to the Govt of Assam as additional monthly allocation from Dec 2015 onwards to meet additional requirement for Tea Planters Labourers
The Randhanjyoti Scheme:-
The scheme is basically a beneficiary oriented scheme. This scheme was originally launched on 15th August, 2003 for providing 1 (one) LPG cylinder with accessories to the Women of the following prioritized groups:
(1) Widows
(2) Women members of Self Help Groups
(3) Any other female member of the BPL families
Equipments provided under Randhanjyoti Scheme are:
- One LPG single gas burner
- Two nos. of domestic LPG cylinder (14.2 Kg)
- One pressure regulator (ISI marked)
- One connecting Rubber Tube (Suraksha).
- One blue book with security voucher.
A total of 1,79,530 beneficiaries have already been benefitted.
In the financial year 2015-16, the Guidelines for the scheme has been revised and now 2 (two) LPG Cylinders along with the accessories are being provided to 2847 targeted families.
AAMAR DUKAN:-
- This scheme was launched by the Assam goverment on 24th December 2010 (National Consumers Day). The scheme with the brand name and logo of “AAMAR DUKAN” and “JAGO GRAHAK JAGO” envisages providing of 23 (including iodized salt) essential non PDS MRP based food items to the Family Identity (FI) card holders of all categories and the general public, through FP shops with space, enterprise and a willingness to perform, throughout the State.
- 3812 numbers of selected AAMAR DUKAN in the state are functioning.
- During the financial year 2014-15, a total of Rs. 500.00 lakh has been provided to 755 numbers of AAMAR DUKAN @ Rs 66,225.00 per AAMAR DUKAN with two fold objectives of enhancing Infrastructure-2/”>INFRASTRUCTURE and for providing better Services.
- Financial assistance of a total fund of Rs. 500.00 lakh has been provided for financial assistance to another 755 numbers of ‘AAMAR DUKAN’s during 2015-16.
Food Security Measures:-
Before implementation of NFSA ,there were the following schemes in the state towards food Security:-
- a) The PDS Scheme:-
Above POVERTY Line (APL) families were provided PDS subsidized APL rice, S K Oil, Atta and iodized salt as per quantum as received from the government of India from time to time in each month.
- b) The TPDS Scheme:-
Against the given target of 19.06 lakh beneficiaries of BPL families, the State already achieved the target by selecting, providing distinctive F.I. cards and also distributedPDS items at subsidized rates to the selected beneficiaries. It is to be noted here that out of these 19.06 lakh selected beneficiaries, 12.02 lakhs of beneficiaries take PDS benefits as BPL families and rest 7.04 lakhs of beneficiaries are included under AAY category families as per direction and guidelines of the Central Govt.
- c) The Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY):-
The Antyodaya Anna Yojana scheme is in implementation since November, 2001 in the state as per GOI’s guidelines. Against the target of 7.04 lakhs of beneficiaries for AAY, the State already converted 7.04 lakhs of existing BPL families into AAY category as per the direction of the Central Govt. The selected AAY families of the State are provided with highly subsidized rice @35 kg per family per month at Rs. 3/- per kg. The transportation charges @Rs.30/- per quintal for carrying AAY rice from the concerning FSD of FCI to the retail outlets of GPSS, WCCS, Fair Price Shops are provided to the PDS Nominees by the State Government under Non-plan.
- d) MukhyaMantri Anna SurakshaYojana (MMASY):-
The scheme originally envisaged providing of 20 kg rice to each beneficiary family per month at Rs. 6 per kg against a special FIC. This scheme was launched by Hon’ble Chief Minister Assam on 2nd October 2010 at RabindraBhawan, Guwahati. 20 lakh families were getting benefit under this scheme. Initially 10,000 families per Legislative Assembly constituency were selected by notified Selection Committee under the supervisions of the Deputy Commissioner/Principal Secretaries. The target later was increased to 15,000 families per LA Constituency. The Second Phase of the scheme also covered the beneficiary families in the erosion affected areas, Char areas, tea garden community and vulnerable Inter-State and Inter-District boundaries.Lately the beneficiaries were provided with 5.9 kg of subsidized rice at BPL rate upon production of distinctive Ration Card. However, at present due to the implementation of NFSA’13 where most of the MMASY families have been included, the allocation of MMASY has been kept in abeyance since Oct, 2015 until further order.
ACTS:-
- The Essentials Commodities Act,1955:-
It is a Central Act to provide, in the interests of the general public, for the control of the production, supply, and distribution of, and Trade and Commerce in, certain commodities.
- The prevention of Black Marketing and maintenance of Essential Commodity Act,1980:-
Vide this order the Officer/Official of the Food and Supplies and Consumer Affairs Dept. are empowered for detention in certain cases for the purpose of prevention of black-marketing and maintenance of supplies of commodities essential to the community/consumers and for the matter connected therewith.
3.The Consumer protection Act,1986:-
This Act lays down detailed provisions and procedures for redressel of grievances and to provide for better protection of the interests of the consumers and for that purpose to make provisions for the establishment of consumer councils and other authorities for the settlement of consumers, disputes and for matter connected therewith.
RULES:-
1.The Assam State Consumer Protection Rules,1989
Assam Food security:-
Security of food, in simplest terminology, implies adequate intake of food by every individual without any difficulty or anxiety. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 recognised right to food as a core element of an adequate standard ofliving. Following this, and more specially from world food crisis of 1972-74, food security became an important “organizing principle” in development.
History :–
Food security is the foremost important issue of a state or a country. The development of a country or a state is highly dependent on it. Food unsecured population cannot think for other issues of their life. In the state of Assam, just after independence the state had enough food for the population, which gradually decreased until 1981-83. But, after 1981-83, the per capita availability of food grains had increased gradually due to use of modern practices of cultivation viz., high yielding varieties, fertilizers, etc. which led to increase in production. Nevertheless, this increase could not surpass the normative requirement of total food grains. Thus, although per capita availability of total cereals was marginally higher than the normative requirement, the state remains food deficit state since 1961-63 to 2000-02. Almost similar trend of change in per capita availability of food grains was observed in all the districts of the state with a few exceptions. Per capita availability of pulses as well as oilseeds was found to be very low, which was far below the normative requirement and in most of the cases revealed a declining trend.
National Food Security Act:-
The Assam government has been implement National Food Security Act from December 24, 2015 and providing subsidised rice to 2.4 crore people in the state. 60 per cent population from the towns and 84 per cent of the people living in villages taking benefit under the Act.
The Schemes under NFSA:-
The National Food Security Act, 2013 has been implemented in the State of Assam since December 2015 and under NFSA’13 , 84.17% of Rural population and 60.35% of Urban population (as per Census 2011) of the state are covered to distribute rice at highly subsidized rate of Rs 3.00 per kg. The total population benefitted under NFSA’13 in the state is 2.52 crore. There are two categories of beneficiaries under NFSA’13 –
- AAY Beneficiaries provided 35 kg of rice per Family at Rs 3.00 per kg
- Priority Household Beneficiaries provided 5 kg of Rice per Member at Rs 3.00 per kg.
Antyodaya Anna Yojana scheme:-
The Antyodaya Anna Yojana scheme is in implementation since November, 2001 in the state as per GOI’s guidelines. The State has 7.04 lakhs of AAY families as per the direction of the Central Govt. and all these AAY families are selected under NFSA’13 and are provided with highly subsidized rice @35 kg per family per month at Rs. 3/- per kg . The Priority Household beneficiaries are comprised of all the eligible families from the erstwhile categories of BPL, APL, MMASY FICs under PDS/TPDS. The new applicants are also considered under Priority Household category. The Priority Household beneficiaries are provided with 5 kg of Rice /family member at Rs 3.00 per Kg . The Transportation Cost and Commission for the above is borne by the Central and State Govts.
S.K.Oil Allocation:
The Govt of India allocates 80352 KL of S K Oil to the Govt of Assam for the month of Jan, Feb & March 2016 (26784 KL for each month).The Govt of India allocates 76332 KL of S K Oil to the Govt of Assam for the month of April, May&June 2016.
Tide Over Allocation:
Apart from the allocation of Rice under NFSA from the month of Dec, 2015, the Govt of India has been allocationg 8272 MT of Wheat per month under Tide Over Allocation.
Additional Allotment for Tea Garden Labourers:
The Govt of India has allocated 7590 MT of Rice and 5000 MT of Wheat at Economic Cost to the Govt of Assam as additional monthly allocation from Dec 2015 onwards to meet additional requirement for Tea Planters Labourers
The Randhanjyoti Scheme:-
The scheme is basically a beneficiary oriented scheme. This scheme was originally launched on 15th August, 2003 for providing 1 (one) LPG cylinder with accessories to the women of the following prioritized groups:
(1) Widows
(2) Women members of Self Help Groups
(3) Any other female member of the BPL families
Equipments provided under Randhanjyoti Scheme are:
- One LPG single gas burner
- Two nos. of domestic LPG cylinder (14.2 Kg)
- One pressure regulator (ISI marked)
- One connecting Rubber Tube (Suraksha).
- One blue book with security voucher.
A total of 1,79,530 beneficiaries have already been benefitted.
In the financial year 2015-16, the Guidelines for the scheme has been revised and now 2 (two) LPG Cylinders along with the accessories are being provided to 2847 targeted families.
AAMAR DUKAN:-
- This scheme was launched by the Assam goverment on 24th December 2010 (National Consumers Day). The scheme with the brand name and logo of “AAMAR DUKAN” and “JAGO GRAHAK JAGO” envisages providing of 23 (including iodized salt) essential non PDS MRP based food items to the Family Identity (FI) card holders of all categories and the general public, through FP shops with space, enterprise and a willingness to perform, throughout the State.
- 3812 numbers of selected AAMAR DUKAN in the state are functioning.
- During the financial year 2014-15, a total of Rs. 500.00 lakh has been provided to 755 numbers of AAMAR DUKAN @ Rs 66,225.00 per AAMAR DUKAN with two fold objectives of enhancing infrastructure and for providing better services.
- Financial assistance of a total fund of Rs. 500.00 lakh has been provided for financial assistance to another 755 numbers of ‘AAMAR DUKAN’s during 2015-16.
Food Security Measures:-
Before implementation of NFSA ,there were the following schemes in the state towards food Security:-
- a) The PDS Scheme:-
Above Poverty Line (APL) families were provided PDS subsidized APL rice, S K Oil, Atta and iodized salt as per quantum as received from the government of India from time to time in each month.
- b) The TPDS Scheme:-
Against the given target of 19.06 lakh beneficiaries of BPL families, the State already achieved the target by selecting, providing distinctive F.I. cards and also distributedPDS items at subsidized rates to the selected beneficiaries. It is to be noted here that out of these 19.06 lakh selected beneficiaries, 12.02 lakhs of beneficiaries take PDS benefits as BPL families and rest 7.04 lakhs of beneficiaries are included under AAY category families as per direction and guidelines of the Central Govt.
- c) The Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY):-
The Antyodaya Anna Yojana scheme is in implementation since November, 2001 in the state as per GOI’s guidelines. Against the target of 7.04 lakhs of beneficiaries for AAY, the State already converted 7.04 lakhs of existing BPL families into AAY category as per the direction of the Central Govt. The selected AAY families of the State are provided with highly subsidized rice @35 kg per family per month at Rs. 3/- per kg. The transportation charges @Rs.30/- per quintal for carrying AAY rice from the concerning FSD of FCI to the retail outlets of GPSS, WCCS, Fair Price Shops are provided to the PDS Nominees by the State Government under Non-plan.
- d) MukhyaMantri Anna SurakshaYojana (MMASY):-
The scheme originally envisaged providing of 20 kg rice to each beneficiary family per month at Rs. 6 per kg against a special FIC. This scheme was launched by Hon’ble Chief Minister Assam on 2nd October 2010 at RabindraBhawan, Guwahati. 20 lakh families were getting benefit under this scheme. Initially 10,000 families per Legislative Assembly constituency were selected by notified Selection Committee under the supervisions of the Deputy Commissioner/Principal Secretaries. The target later was increased to 15,000 families per LA Constituency. The Second Phase of the scheme also covered the beneficiary families in the erosion affected areas, Char areas, tea garden community and vulnerable Inter-State and Inter-District boundaries.Lately the beneficiaries were provided with 5.9 kg of subsidized rice at BPL rate upon production of distinctive Ration Card. However, at present due to the implementation of NFSA’13 where most of the MMASY families have been included, the allocation of MMASY has been kept in abeyance since Oct, 2015 until further order.
ACTS:-
- The Essentials Commodities Act,1955:-
It is a Central Act to provide, in the interests of the general public, for the control of the production, supply, and distribution of, and trade and commerce in, certain commodities.
- The prevention of Black Marketing and maintenance of Essential Commodity Act,1980:-
Vide this order the Officer/Official of the Food and Supplies and Consumer Affairs Dept. are empowered for detention in certain cases for the purpose of prevention of black-marketing and maintenance of supplies of commodities essential to the community/consumers and for the matter connected therewith.
3.The Consumer Protection Act,1986:-
This Act lays down detailed provisions and procedures for redressel of grievances and to provide for better protection of the interests of the consumers and for that purpose to make provisions for the establishment of consumer councils and other authorities for the settlement of consumers, disputes and for matter connected therewith.
RULES:-
1.The Assam State Consumer Protection Rules,1989,
Assam is a state in north-eastern India. It is the largest state in the region by area and the third most populous. The state has a rich agricultural history and is home to a number of important Food Crops, including rice, tea, and oilseeds. Assam is also a major producer of Livestock, including cattle, buffalo, and pigs.
The state’s agricultural sector is a major contributor to the economy, accounting for about 20% of the state’s GDP. However, the sector is facing a number of challenges, including low productivity, poor infrastructure, and Climate change. These challenges are having a negative impact on food security in the state.
In order to address these challenges, the government of Assam has implemented a number of initiatives, including the Assam Agricultural Production Programme (AAPP), the Assam Food Processing Policy, and the Assam Nutrition Mission. These initiatives are aimed at increasing agricultural productivity, improving infrastructure, and promoting nutrition.
The AAPP is a comprehensive program that aims to increase agricultural production and productivity. The program provides support to farmers through a number of measures, including the provision of seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides. The program also provides training to farmers on modern agricultural practices.
The Assam Food Processing Policy is aimed at promoting the development of the food processing Industry in the state. The policy provides incentives to companies that invest in food processing, such as tax breaks and land subsidies. The policy also aims to improve the infrastructure for food processing, such as cold storage facilities and processing Plants.
The Assam Nutrition Mission is aimed at improving nutrition among the population of the state. The mission provides support to pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children under the age of five. The mission also provides Education on nutrition to the public.
These initiatives are having a positive impact on food security in Assam. However, there is still a long way to go. The government needs to continue to invest in agriculture and food processing, and it needs to address the challenges of Climate Change. With continued effort, Assam can achieve food security for all its citizens.
In addition to the government’s initiatives, there are a number of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) working on food security in Assam. These NGOs are providing a range of services, including agricultural extension, nutrition education, and microfinance. The work of these NGOs is making a significant contribution to food security in the state.
The challenges of food security in Assam are complex and multifaceted. However, there are a number of factors that are working in favor of food security in the state. These factors include the state’s rich agricultural history, its strong agricultural sector, and the government’s commitment to food security. With continued effort, Assam can achieve food security for all its citizens.
What is food security?
Food security is a state in which all people, at all times, have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life.
What are the four pillars of food security?
The four pillars of food security are availability, access, utilization, and stability.
What are the causes of food insecurity?
The causes of food insecurity are complex and interrelated, and can include factors such as poverty, Unemployment, climate change, conflict, and natural disasters.
What are the consequences of food insecurity?
The consequences of food insecurity can be severe, and can include Malnutrition, stunted Growth, impaired cognitive development, and increased risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
What are the solutions to food insecurity?
There is no one-size-fits-all solution to food insecurity, but some of the most effective interventions include:
- Investing in agriculture and rural development
- Promoting access to affordable and nutritious food
- Strengthening social protection programs
- Building resilience to shocks and stresses
What is the role of the government in addressing food insecurity?
The government has a key role to play in addressing food insecurity, by providing a policy Environment that supports food production and access, and by investing in social protection programs.
What is the role of the private sector in addressing food insecurity?
The private sector also has a key role to play in addressing food insecurity, by investing in agriculture and food production, and by developing and marketing affordable and nutritious food products.
What is the role of civil Society in addressing food insecurity?
Civil society organizations can play a key role in addressing food insecurity, by advocating for policies that support food security, by providing food assistance to vulnerable populations, and by building awareness about the issue of food insecurity.
What is the role of individuals in addressing food insecurity?
Individuals can also play a role in addressing food insecurity, by supporting policies that support food security, by donating to food banks and other organizations that provide food assistance, and by buying and eating nutritious food.
Question 1
Which of the following is not a component of food security?
(A) Availability
(B) Access
(C) Utilization
(D) Sustainability
Answer
(D) Sustainability
Question 2
Which of the following is not a factor that can affect food security?
(A) Climate change
(B) Conflict
(C) Economic growth
(D) Population Growth
Answer
(C) Economic growth
Question 3
Which of the following is not a goal of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to food security?
(A) Zero hunger
(B) Good Health and well-being
(C) Decent work and economic growth
(D) Reduced inequalities
Answer
(C) Decent work and economic growth
Question 4
Which of the following is not a type of food insecurity?
(A) Chronic food insecurity
(B) Transitory food insecurity
(C) Cyclic food insecurity
(D) Seasonal food insecurity
Answer
(C) Cyclic food insecurity
Question 5
Which of the following is not a strategy for improving food security?
(A) Increasing agricultural production
(B) Improving access to food
(C) Reducing food waste
(D) Increasing economic growth
Answer
(D) Increasing economic growth
Question 6
Which of the following is not a benefit of food security?
(A) Improved health
(B) Increased productivity
(C) Reduced poverty
(D) Increased economic growth
Answer
(D) Increased economic growth
Question 7
Which of the following is not a challenge to food security?
(A) Climate change
(B) Conflict
(C) Economic growth
(D) Population growth
Answer
(C) Economic growth
Question 8
Which of the following is not a role of the government in ensuring food security?
(A) Providing food assistance to the poor
(B) Investing in agricultural research and development
(C) Regulating the food market
(D) Promoting Sustainable Agriculture
Answer
(B) Investing in agricultural research and development
Question 9
Which of the following is not a role of the private sector in ensuring food security?
(A) Producing food
(B) Distributing food
(C) Processing food
(D) Marketing food
Answer
(C) Processing food
Question 10
Which of the following is not a role of civil society in ensuring food security?
(A) Raising awareness about food security
(B) Advocating for policies that promote food security
(C) Providing food assistance to the poor
(D) Investing in agricultural research and development
Answer
(D) Investing in agricultural research and development